Browns NFL draft profile: WR Brenen Thompson

His superpower is his ability to decelerate during a route, which gives him the ability to double-move or shift back into another gear instantly. His deep ball threat is real, and his ball tracking looks natural. Does not offer much in terms of yards-after-contact, but defenders must catch him first. His route running does need a bit more polish beyond vertical concepts. Does not offer much as a return man, as he has only returned one kick in his four years in college.

WR Brenen Thompson

Draft projection: Round 4

Browns pick: #107

Specifics:

College: Mississippi State

Height: 5’-9”

Weight: 164 pounds

40-time: 4.26

Career Receptions: 84

Career Yards: 1,557

Career average yards per catch: 18.5

**Career Touchdowns:**10

Career games: 40

Accolades: Second Team All-SEC

Positives:

• Elite speed
• Can hold top speed through the catch point
• Deep ball tracking
• Real deceleration on double moves
• Catches without drifting off his line
• Tough to corral once he catches it

Negatives:

• Small frame
• Unreliable hands outside his frame
• Goes down on the first hit
• Physicality concerns
• Coasts into breaks

Expert Draft Site Analysis

NFL.com

Thompson is a slightly built, vertical threat with rocket boosters in his shoes. With a career average of 39.8 yards per touchdown catch, there is no denying where his value lives. His acceleration phase is long-lasting, creating easy wins over the top and requiring safety involvement in man coverage. He struggles with traditional, non-vertical routes and finishing contested catches. He’s not a catch-and-run specialist underneath but is dangerous crossing the hashes. He’s dealt with injuries dating back to high school, missing significant time in 2023 due to ankle and hamstring ailments. A lack of size and versatility create challenges for his long-term projection, so diversifying his portfolio of offerings might be necessary for him to stick on a roster long-term.